Reconciliation members with map The Hardys Missionary map

Despite cold temperatures and some showers, hundreds of gay and lesbian Mormons, along with their families and friends, participated in the Gay Pride celebrations held in Salt Lake City on June 8-9. Several Affirmation, Reconciliation, Family Fellowship, Gay LDS Youth, and Restoration Church members participated in an interfaith service held June 8 in St. Mark’s Cathedral.

On June 9, gay and lesbian Mormons marched in the parade from Liberty Park to downtown Salt Lake. As reported by The Salt Lake Tribune, “[a] group of men calling themselves the Gay Latter-day Saints drew laughter from the spectators as they paraded in missionary-like white shirts and name tags asking if anyone would like to ‘learn more’ about their group.”

David and Carlie Hardy, with their family, had their own entry in the parade. The Hardy family skated and danced their way to City Hall carrying a sign that read, “It’s All About Family - Hardys and Friends Have Pride.” Zach, the youngest of the Hardys, won ovations from the crowds as he performed “the worm” on the pavement. David and Carlie Hardy became vocal supporters of the gay and lesbian community when their gay son attempted suicide after a LDS seminary lesson on Sodom and Gomorrah.

Hundreds of people stopped at the booths sponsored by Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons and by a coalition of groups including Reconciliation and Gay LDS Youth. Members of Reconciliation invited passers-by to mark a world map with a pin to show where they served their missions. By the end of the day, the map was adorned with over 450 pins spread over six continents.

Materials in the Affirmation booth invited passers-by to participate in the Handkerchief Project. Inspired by the Clothesline Project and similar to the Shower of Stoles Project, the Handkerchief Project was started by Affirmation members in 1997 as a visual representation of the pain occasioned by disfellowshipment and excommunication. Those who have requested name removal from the LDS Church are also invited to participate.

Over the years, thousands of gay and lesbian Mormons have been disfellowshipped, excommunicated, or otherwise “disciplined” by leaders of the LDS Church. “The separation [from the Church] made me sad,” reads one of the handkerchiefs. “I was a member all my life and I wanted to feel more love and understanding from the Church.” On some future occasion the handkerchiefs will be displayed to aid those who have been cast out as they continue their healing process.